Wingapo friends!
When telling people about the race and the traveling that was involved, one of the common reactions was concern: where there going to be guys? What where the security measures that were being taken? Was self defense part of training? Were we going to have escorts. While, not exactly the desired reaction it is not uncalled for.
The first four months of the race I was on an all girls team. When assigned to a new co-ed team, I did not much consider that there might be differences in the way others interact with us. I have always traveled alone or with other girls. Fun fact: there is a huge difference.
This month I am temporarily back on an all girls team. Where as last month the biggest struggle in going to the grocery store was not impulse buying and trying to eat for three days on $5 (super budgeting), this month going to the grocery store requires an hour of prayer, mental fortitude and the bossiest, “This is my territory” walk.
If we are lucky, we only get cat-called all the way there and halfway back. It’s considered a win if no one tries to touch/grab you. Should this be a thing? No. But it is. The scary part, is it is not any different from walking around campus as night, Orlando on most days, Atlanta really any time, even Kennesaw, Georgia is not that different.
When on a co-ed team, however, no one even makes eye contact when walking the street. The men screen all conversation. Anyone who does approach, approaches the guys first. Instant protection. Self defense training is immediately rendered unnecessary.
On the flip side, being a woman provides some amazing opportunities.
1) It’s moderately rare that you are expected to preach (can also be a draw back, but I like to stay positive)
I promise there are still so many chances to preach, you just may have to be creative. The bonus is you screen out most of the impromptu ones and skip straight to the Spirit lead ones.
2) You have the opportunity to reach people that get over-looked
Woman can go places that women shouldn’t (and visa versa). But for men that’s alley ways at night (just kidding, still don’t) and for women that is the social circles that we want to be reaching. It is women recovering from abuse, small children, unacceptable social circles. These are also open to men, but often times, women are a little more readily accepted.
3) You get hug tackled by kids.
Sure, you get grabbed by strangers, but getting hug tackled by a swarm of chicken nuggets….you have to feel loved even if you are not a physical touch person.
4) You are approachable (subjective to person)
Sometimes, the enemy likes to warp that, but it really is a gift on the race. I have found that many of my most meaningful encounters on the race have found me. I look small and non-threatening.
Is being a woman on the race sometimes a nuisance? Yes. Do you need a self defense class? I recommend self defense for life, not just the race, but also usually a firm no (get your in-charge voice on) and sometimes a gentle (or less gentle) reminder of how to keep ones hands to one’s self is more than enough. Is the race safe? As safe a life is. The most dangerous thing I have done on the race is use local transportation. Walking places, doing life, even ministry is not any more or less dangerous than being in the United States.
